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Gas engine keeps running when battery is cold

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Roger T, Feb 8, 2015.

  1. Roger T

    Roger T Member

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    2014 Prius
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    Hello all,

    noticed something interesting.

    Was driving in the morning. Heat was in recirculating mode and cabin was warmed up. Coolant temperature was high (160 F). Car was in low speed (5-10 mph because of traffic). Battery level was high (67.8% 7 pips).

    But gas engine was still running non-stop.

    Checked battery temperature. It was 28 F.

    Switched from recirculating to fresh air mode. The battery temp raised from 28 F to around above 32 F rather quickly. Then the gas engine stopped and car started to run on full EV mode.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Did not know the fresh air mode will have such a prominent effect on battery temp...

    Will use more fresh air mode in summer when the AC is blasting.

    Fun! ;)
     
    #1 Roger T, Feb 8, 2015
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2015
  2. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    i always like fresh air. it must be just me.
     
    #2 Former Member 68813, Feb 8, 2015
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    or where you live.:p
     
    #3 bisco, Feb 8, 2015
  4. szgabor

    szgabor Active Member

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    That is because the cabin will be "slightly" over pressurized and the extra air which is "warmed up" would exit through the battery cooling channel (even though no battery cooling fans running). This is similar (but opposite) effect as running A/C in the summer as opposed to lowering the windows the slightly cooller air will be sucked up by the battery fans and effect the battery temp.... Sorry no magic :)
     
    #4 szgabor, Feb 11, 2015
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